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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 317 Draft 01 2022-2024 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I AND HATSUKAICHI, HIROSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I TO ENTER INTO A FORMAL SIGNED AGREEMENT. WHEREAS, the Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i County Council have jointly promoted a Sister City program to foster friendship and understanding among all of the world, particularly those in the Pacific Basin; and WHEREAS, viable and meaningful Sister City relationships benefit the people of the affiliated municipalities through the exchange of cultural exhibits, educational programs, agricultural pursuits, information relative to economic development of mutual interest, and other matters of common interest; and WHEREAS, many Japanese immigrants in Hawai‘i hailed from Hiroshima Prefecture, leading to enduring connections and close ties between Hawai‘i and Hiroshima Prefecture, and the State of Hawai‘i has further strengthened these bonds through a Sister State relationship with Hiroshima Prefecture; and WHEREAS, Hatsukaichi is a city located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, and both the County of Hawai‘i and Hatsukaichi are honored as homes to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites – the majestic Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine – symbols of our shared commitment to preserving and celebrating our unique cultural and natural heritages; and WHEREAS, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce has an established Sister Chamber relationship with the Hatsukaichi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and WHEREAS, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kona Hiroshima Kenjin Kai, and East Hawai‘i Hiroshima Kenjin Kai are committed as the sponsoring entities to support and nurture this Sister City alliance; and WHEREAS, a number of esteemed businesses and community leaders on Hawai‘i Island, with roots tracing back to Hiroshima Prefecture, embody the enduring connection and potential for strengthened relations and synergies between our communities; and WHEREAS, the primary focus of this Sister City relationship will be on economic development, marking a significant milestone and commitment to fostering enhanced bilateral economic growth, trade, and investment; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 31, Section 2-164, of the Hawai‘i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) (“the County Code”), the County of Hawai‘i may consider the establishment of a Sister City relationship with Hatsukaichi based on the following criteria: (1) shares a direct historical, cultural, or ethnic relationship with the people of the County of Hawai‘i and (2) recognizes other common bonds that are mutually beneficial to the citizens of both places and serve as a liaison for the exchange of information and other lifestyle and practical values; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 31, Section 2-165(a), of the County Code, a Sister City relationship shall be established by the adoption of a Council resolution approving the establishment of the Sister City tie and the signing of a formal agreement between the Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i and the appropriate public official of the proposed Sister City; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I that pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 31, Section 2-165(a), of the County Code, it hereby authorizes the Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i to establish a Sister City relationship between the County of Hawai‘i and Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the mayors of the County of Hawai‘i and Hatsukaichi are hereby requested to sign and execute a formal agreement to put into effect this Sister City relationship. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the Honorable Mayor Mitchell D. Roth; the Honorable Mayor Taro Matsumoto of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan; and the County of Hawai‘i Sister City Protocol Officer. Dated at _____________, Hawai‘i, this ______ day of ___________________, 20___. INTRODUCED BY: _______________________________________ COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I _______________________________________ COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hawai‘i Hilo, Hawai‘i ROLL CALL VOTE    AYES NOES ABS EX   EVANS       GALIMBA       I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the County of Hawai‘i on _____________________________________. INABA       KAGIWADA       KĀNEALI‘I-KLEINFELDER       KIERKIEWICZ      ATTEST: KIMBALL       LEE LOY       VILLEGAS              Reference:  COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO.